No. 1 Deansgate

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No. 1 Deansgate is the glass building with the sloping roof in the left of this photograph

No. 1 Deansgate is the name (and address) of a high-rise apartment building in Central Manchester, England. It is the tallest all-steel residential building in the United Kingdom and one of the most expensive addresses in Manchester. Completed in 2002, it is situated at the top of Deansgate not far from Manchester Cathedral.

Its glass front and sloping roof make it a highly distinctive building. It was built as part of a major redevelopment project that took place after the damage caused by the 1996 IRA bombing. The building was designed by the architectural practice Ian Simpson Architects. However, the structure is more a feat of architectural engineering than design. The engineers responsible were Martin Stockley Associates.

The 60m high building consists of 14 floors which provide 84 apartments, including eight penthouses. These are all above an open pedestrian area 16 m. high which is supported by inclined tubular columns. The comparatively lightweight structure is principally constructed of steel, this skeleton is balanced by precise weight ratios which ensure its complete stability.

The external appearance could not be further removed from the concrete Brutalist architecture of the late 20th century. However, on the upper floors an almost cubism form of architecture is suggested. The 20th century appearance is further offset by louvred glass sloping walls. Critics of the design have suggested the building has the air of a municipal, public, civil building. This same charge, though, could be levelled at any 18th century Palladian building.

Four penthouse suites were sold for £1.5m each in 2002, the most expensive residences sold in Manchester at the time.